The Brehon Laws: A Legal Handbook

by Laurence Ginnell

An exploration of the early Irish laws that defined everyday life in Medieval Ireland, as well as analysis of their history, influences, and development prior to the supplantation of English common law. First published in 1894, The Brehon Laws is Laurence Ginnell's handbook for the history of the Irish legal system. Opening with the history of Saxon law and detailing the first written legal recordings, Ginnell enthusiastically informs the reader about the survival of Brehon law from the seventh century through to the seventeenth century when English common law took favour. The chapters featured in this volume - Ancient Law - Existing Remains Of Irish Law - The Senchus Mōr - Legislative Assemblies - Classification of Society - The Law of Distraining - Criminal Law - Native, Not Roman Providing insight into Gaelic society and the evolution of law and culture, this guidebook is the ideal read for those with an interest in the history of the legal system. This edition features a specially-commissioned biography of the author.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ireland

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Drew Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A neat little primer on Ancient Irish law. I wish the author went more in depth into the substance of actual laws, but this is definitely a product of its time.

[David H. Millar · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old text and a fascinating history on the Brehon (or Irish) Laws.